Cellcept (Mycophenolate) Medicare Coverage

Cellcept is a medication that contains the active ingredient Mycophenolate.

Cellcept is used to prevent organ rejection in patients who receive kidney, heart or liver transplants. It is typically taken twice daily for up to 2 years after the organ transplant.

Cellcept suppresses the immune system to allow the body to accept the new organ.

Common side effects of Cellcept include back pain, constipation, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, fatigue, shakiness, trouble sleeping and joint pain.

How much does Mycophenolate cost with Medicare?

Mycophenolate coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Mycophenolate?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Mycophenolate, the generic form of Cellcept, in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Mycophenolate include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Mycophenolate. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

If you are taking an oral form of Cellcept, take each dose on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours after taking this medication.

Using Cellcept during pregnancy can cause birth defects and even death of the unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, birth control is required to prevent pregnancy while taking Cellcept. A pregnancy test is done right before starting Cellcept and is repeated 8-10 days later to ensure that you are not pregnant.

Cellcept can increase the chances of getting cancer like lymphoma or skin cancer. If you see changes in the color or size of a mole, skin growth, noticeable weight loss, night sweats or swollen glands, call your doctor right away.

Because Cellcept suppresses your immune system, you may be at a higher risk of infection. Watch for signs of infection while taking Cellcept including fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, ear pain, cough or wounds that will not heal. Wash your hands often and avoid people with infections, colds or flu while taking Cellcept.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.